Pieces Of Eight - Tip
Of The Week
Number:
85 Jim Tellier June 2013 Summer
2013 Session
TOPIC: Picking
The Next Shot
CATEGORY: Intermediate/Advanced
INTRODUCTION:
Since we know what the next shot is going
to be in 9-ball, this will focus on the 8-ball situation that baffles a lot of
players: too many choices!
How do you decide what to shoot? Why?
TECHNIQUE:
First,
lets make some assumptions, for our discussion. Lets say its your
turn at the table, either right after you broke (and made one or more balls),
OR your opponent shot and missed. If its an open table, pick solids or
stripes. Then, the case is:
*
There are no problem balls to deal with,
*
There are no clusters (of your balls) that need to be broken up,
*
Every one of your balls has a direct path to at least one pocket.
Now,
its important to bear in mind that there are many ways in which a
run-out can be made. What you want to identify is the easiest, least
risky, run-out that you are capable of executing, given your skill-level
and experience. Many experts tell you to start with a plan for
pocketing the 8-ball, and work your way backwards to seeing how you will shoot
the first ball. Well, thats good in theory, but most often impractical, for
all but very advanced players. A better approach is to work your way
forward through 3-5 balls, then (maybe) apply the working backwards from the
8 plan. But, even to get through half the rack, you need a way to make some
decisions.
No
canned approach will cover all possible situations, but I like to think that
some kind of plan is better than no plan! So try looking at the shot choices
presented to you, using the following steps (in order):
1)
Are you in a position where you could shoot (and make) multiple balls (in
succession, not simultaneously!) from the current cue-ball position?
If so, you might want to consider using stop shots, or maybe a little bit of
draw to keep the cue ball in that same position, for those multiple targets.
2)
Are you in a position that allows you to get rid of a ball that only has one
pocket that it can be made in? If so, its often best to take that shot earlyas
long as its not significantly more difficult than your other options.
3)
Can you identify a familiar pattern of shots cue-ball resulting positions,
that you will be comfortable shooting? If so, go for it--- but pay particular
attention to where the cue ball will end up after the last ball shot in the
pattern. Rehearse the playing of the series of shots in your head before
you get down to make the first shot.
4)
After playing a couple of shots in sequence, be sure to re-evaluate
where you are. If you are significantly out-of-line, or off-plan in a
pattern, dont feel like you have to stick with it! Abandon the plan,
and make a new one!
5)
Whenever youre trying to decide between shot A and shot B, where A is
the easier of the two, think of it this way:
*
Shoot A, IF you will guarantee yourself a next shot after that.
*
Only shoot B if it will put you in significantly better position afterwards, and
you are 100% sure you can make it.
6)
When all the planning and analyzing leave you feeling that you are faced with
only tough choices, it might be best to play a safety.
7)
Dont forget to walk around the table when you are planning the next shot.
You will often see something that you did not realize was a (great) option,
when only viewed from the other side!
Finally,
dont forget to pay attention to the table while your opponent is shooting
s/he may move things around a bit, so something that used to be a workable shot
may no longer be available!
A
couple of very useful links to instructional materials are:
http://www.azbilliards.com/2000instruction.php
http://www.billiards.colostate.edu
Shoot well, and keep your opponent in
his chair!
Capn
Carom
ARRRR!!!! J